New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger fired back at President Trump for accusing the newspaper of committing a “virtual act of treason.”
Sulzberger responded to the accusation in a Wall Street Journal op-ed published on Tuesday. The Gray Lady’s executive said Trump’s attack “crossed a dangerous line” for criticizing the press.
“There is no more serious charge a commander in chief can make against an independent news organization,” Sulzberger wrote.
The newspaper publisher said he fears that Trump’s attacks, if they continue to escalate, may lead to “action” against the press and individual journalists. To emphasize that point, Sulzberger intentionally placed his op-ed in a competing paper to show solidarity with the press generally, according to Times spokesman Danielle Rhoades Ha.
“Over 167 years, through 33 presidential administrations, the Times has sought to serve America and its citizens by seeking the truth and helping people understand the world. There is nothing we take more seriously than doing this work fairly and accurately, even when we are under attack,” Sulzberger said.
“Mr. Trump’s campaign against journalists should concern every patriotic American. A free, fair and independent press is essential to our country’s strength and vitality and to every freedom that makes it great,” Sulzberger concluded.
Trump’s accusation came after the Times published an article on Saturday revealing that the United States is ramping up cyberattacks on Russia. Trump responded calling the report treasonous and said it was not true.
“Do you believe that the Failing New York Times just did a story stating that the United States is substantially increasing Cyber Attacks on Russia. This is a virtual act of Treason by a once great paper so desperate for a story, any story, even if bad for our Country,” Trump tweeted after the report was published.
“ALSO, NOT TRUE! Anything goes with our Corrupt News Media today. They will do, or say, whatever it takes, with not even the slightest thought of consequence! These are true cowards and without doubt, THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!” Trump said.
…..ALSO, NOT TRUE! Anything goes with our Corrupt News Media today. They will do, or say, whatever it takes, with not even the slightest thought of consequence! These are true cowards and without doubt, THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2019
Sulzberger noted that the Times cleared the article beforehand with the White House National Security Council, the National Security Agency, and the U.S. Cyber Command. None of the agencies had any potential national security concerns about the article.
